A cochlear implant is a medical device that is implanted into the head behind the ear. The cochlear implant is designed to bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and send electrical stimulation directly to the auditory nerve, where it is then interpreted as sound by the brain.

The device provides the potential for useful hearing sensation and improved communication ability for people who have a severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.

Cochlear implants provide an important option for individuals who receive little or no benefit from a conventional hearing aid.